Rack for a set of books

ABSTRACT

A rack for books has individual holder elements for each volume each having a blade which fits inside the spine binding of the volume. A base receives the elements so that each volume can be pivoted between a storage position with the volume upright and inverted to a use position rotated forwardly approximately 90* and out of contact with the other volumes so that the book may be opened, resting on the supporting surface for the base. In one form of the invention, the base has a rod passing through holes in all the elements preventing accidental dislodgement of the volumes.

United States Patent Horns 51 Jan. 18, 1972 [54] RACK FOR A SET OF BOOKS 21 Appl. No.: 27,091

[52] U.S. Cl ..2l1/42 [51] Int. Cl. .A47b 65/00 [58] Field of Search ..2l1/42, 43

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 587,5 80 8/1897 Hopkins et a1 ..2l1/42 1,277,544 9/1918 Carre' ....21l/42 1,910,207 5/1933 Freeman.. ....211/42 X 2,494,382 1/1950 Faulkner ..211/43 X 2,527,277 10/1950 Schade ..21l/42 3,228,648 H1966 Tils ..2ll/43X Primary ExaminerNile C. Byers, Jr. Attorney-Julian Caplan 57] ABSTRACT A rack for books has individual holder elements for each volume each having a' blade which fits inside the spine binding of the volume. A base receives the elements so that each volume can be pivoted between a storage position with the volume upright and inverted to a use position rotated forwardly approximately 90 and out of contact with the other volumes so that the book may be opened, resting on the supporting surface for the base. In one form of the invention, the base has a rod passing through holes in all the elements preventing accidental dislodgement of the volumes.

8 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJANWBTZ 3,635,351

sum 1 [1F 3 a FIC5.1

77 INVENTOR.

56 v DOUGLAS M. HOMS ATTORNEY PATENTEDJAM 8x972 3.635.351

sum 2 [IF 3 FIG. 4 v

@ INVENTOR.

DOUGLAS M. HOMS ATTORNEY PATENTEB JAN! 8 1972 SHEET 3 [IF 3 FIG. 6

FIG. 8

INVENTOR. DOUGLAS M. HOMS ATTORNEY RACK FOR A SET ornooks This invention relates to a new and improved rack for a set of books. Convenient storage of sets of reference books, directories and the like creates problems which are solved by the present invention. The books are usually heavy, large in dimension and therefore cumbersome to handle. Conven tionally, such books are stored on bookshelves or between bookends. Removal of the book from its shelf, carrying it to a flat surface on which it may be opened for inspection and replacing the volume is inconvenient. The present invention provides a convenient, readily accessible storage rack which may be placed on a tabletop or desk so that in storage position the books are out of the way but in use position the books are spread open on the table or desk without the necessity of moving them from one location to the other. 1

A particular feature and advantage of the invention is the fact that the rack holds a plurality of volumes side by side at the back of a table or desk, leaving the remainder of the table surface available for other purposes between uses of the books. In the normal case, the user pivots the volume which he wishes to consult from storage position to use position, then opens the volume and, after having referred thereto, reverses the operation, the book all the while being held in the rack. Hence there is no likelihood that the volumes will be misplaced nor is it very likely that the user will leave the volume spread open on the table as is frequently otherwise the case. The table or desk is kept in a neat condition, yet the books are always readily accessible.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that when it is necessary, the book may be removed from the rack and taken to another location for detailed study, copying of portions thereof or other purposes. Further, the volumes may be replaced when obsolete with a minimum of difficulty.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that the books are held inverted in vertical position side by side.

Still another feature of the invention is the fact that the rack prevents the books from becoming damaged through negligent handling. A modified form of the invention provides means for preventing the volumes from spreading open even after prolonged storage.

The invention is preferably incorporated in a separate rack placed on a suitable supporting surface. However, the top of a table may be adapted to conform to the function of a separate rack. The table may be provided with casters for portability.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one form of the rack of the present invention holding a plurality of volumes in different positions.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the rack partly broken away to conserve space.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation thereof, likewise partly broken away to conserve space.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4 and showing a volume in different positions.

FIG. 5A is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 5 showing the volume in an intermediate position.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6--6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modification.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the invention incorporated in a table.

As shown in FIG. I, the rack of the present invention is suited for storage of a plurality of large books 11 normally stored side by side in verticalposition as is the case of books 11A. Volume 11B has been pivoted fully forward so that it is resting upon a tabletop or other supporting surface on which the rack also rests and in such position may be spread open for some to handle. The present device is useful in books of many types of manufacture but as shown here, each volume 11 has covers 12 and a front spine binding 13 which is spaced forwardly of the spine edges of the pages 15 providing a vertical pocket 16 to which access may be obtained from either the top or the bottom of the book for a purpose hereinafter explained.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a transverse, horizontal front rack 56 is provided, preferably made of an aluminum extrusion. Rack 56 has inturned front and rear feet 57, 58, which rest on the supporting surface. Back 59 slants upwardly and slightly forwardly and merges with horizontal back ledge 61 on which the books "A rest. Forward of ledge 61 is a backwall 62 which is about vertical and below wall 62 is a circular arc upward-facing depression 63. Forward of depression 63 is a downward forward slanted front ledge 64 upon which the backs of booksllB rest in open position. Front ledge 64 merges with front foot 57.

On either side of front rack 56 is side piece 66. The front 67 of the bottom edge of side piece 66 is horizontal and tangent to the bottoms of feet 57, 58. The back68 of the bottom edge is level with front 67 so that front and back portions 67, 68 rest on the supporting surface and are spaced apart a distance about equal to the width of a book 11. To prevent scratching the support surface, a pad 69 is fixed to back portion 68. Intermediate portion 71 of the bottom edge is curved upward. The top edge front portion 72 merges with ledge 64 and then curves upward-rearward in a stretch 73 above the level of the bottom edges of books 11A to form a support preventing outward spreading of covers 12. The back 74 of side 66 is curved, merging with bottom 68.

Self-tapping screws 76 may be used to secure the front of each side 66 to rack 56, fitting into the outer ends of hollows 77 formed in feet 57, 58. At the back is a horizontal transverse back rod 78 secured through holes in sides 66. Thus rod 78 prevents sides 66 from spreading apart. Rod 78 is at the level of ledge 61 and thus helps support books 11A in proper position.

Optionally a front rod 79 at the center of depression 63 also passes through holes in, and is secured to, sides 66.

Each volume 11 has an individual holder element 36. The main body portion 37 of holder 36 is U-shaped and hollow and the exterior is rounded in a circular are complementary to depression 63. In the center of each element 36 is a hole 39 in which, optionally, rod 79 may extend. Extending about tangent to rod 31 from body 37 is blade 42. The width and thickness of blade 42 is such that it fits inside pouch l4 and its upper corners 44 are rounded to facilitate insertion in pouch. When thus positioned, the volume 1] is secured to the element 36. The width of holder 36 is preferably about equal to the width of book 11. In use of the device, blade 42 is slipped into the pouch or pocket 14. Thereupon the element 36 is placed in depression 63. In the position of storage blade 42 is upright and the back edge of holder 36 is vertical, fitting against wall 62, thereby limiting backward rotation of books 11A. For normal reference, the user grips the individual volume 11 to which he wishes to refer and pivots the volume and the element 36 forwardly until spine 13 rests on front ledge 64, the book being slanted downwardly and its top edge resting on the table or surface which supports the rack. In such position, as is shown by volume 118 in FIG. 1, the covers 12 may be opened and the volume is flat for reference.

As has previously bee stated, in their storage position, the volumes 11 are inverted and hence when they are pivoted forward the user may read the volumes in normal fashion. When reference is completed, the user closes the covers 12 and then pivots the volume 11 up to storage position. Rod 79 prevents removal of a volume, but, where omitted, any book may be removed for closer scrutiny or copying.

The rack shown in FIGS. 3-6 has a longitudinally extending base 16 having in-turned feet 17 at front and rear'which rest upon the supporting surface, usually a tabletop or desk. Extending slanting upwardly inwardly along either longitudinal face of base 16 are sides 18. An inward turned front top surface 19 slants upwardly rearwardly at a considerably flatter angle than side 18 so as to support the spine of the book when it is in reference position. In the modification of the invention shown in FIGS. 3-6, back top surface 21 is inclined at about the same angle as surface 19. A depression 22 which is a circular arc extends between the inner edges of surfaces 19 and 21 providing a trough or wall which extends longitudinally of base 16.

At either end of base 16 is an end cap 23. The main body portion 24 of the end cap is generally externally congruent to the shape of base 16. It has an end wall 20 which closes off the end of the rack but is generally thin walled throughout. The body 24 has inward projecting flanges 26 which fit inside the ends of base 16 and are secured thereto by screws 25 or other means. Thus the end caps 23 close off and complete base 16. Hub 27 projects up at the center of each end cap having an internal spider 28 which supports a horizontally disposed, inwardly opening socket 29. Fitting in the sockets 29 at either end and extending longitudinally above trough 22 is a rod 31. The axis of rod 31 is concentric with the center of the curvature of trough 22.

Each volume 11 has an individual holder element 36a. The main body portion 37a of holder 36a is U"-shaped and at longitudinally spaced intervals are ribs 380 which are circular in configuration and rest on the bottom of trough 22. In the center of each element 36a is a hole 39a for rod 31. At one position, centered relative to body 37a, is a slot 41a which is of a width about equal to the diameter of rod 31. Extending about tangent to rod 31 from body 37a and also extending through ribs 380 is a blade 42a. Preferably, blade 42a is made of metal and is formed with holes 43a and is cast or molded in holder 36a when the latter is manufactured. It will be understood, however, that blade 42a may be attached to element 36a in other ways. The width and thickness of blade 42a is such that it fits inside pouch 14. When thus positioned, the volume 11 is secured to the element 36a. In use of the device, element 36a is turned to the intermediate position shown in FIG. A. The slot 41a is positioned downwardly so that the element 36a may be lifted off the rack. Blade 42a is slipped into the pouch or pocket 14. Thereupon the element 36a is replaced. In the position of storage as shown in the right-hand side of FIG. 5, blade 42:: is upright or else is inclined rearwardly so that the bottom edge of the book rests upon the back top surface 21. For normal reference, the user grips the indi idual volume 11 to which he wishes to refer and pivots the volume and the element 360 forwardly until spine 13 rests on front surface 19, the book being slanted downwardly and its top edge resting on the table or surface which supports the rack. In such position, as is shown by volume 118 in FIG. 1, the covers 12 may be opened and the volume is flat for reference.

As has previously been stated, in their storage position, the volumes 11 are inverted and hence when they are pivoted forward the user may read the volumes in normal fashion. When reference is completed, the user closes the covers 12 and then pivots the volume 11 up to storage position. If it is necessary to remove a volume for some reason, the volume and its holder are pivoted forward to a position intermediate storage and use positions with the slot 4111 opening downward. Thereupon the volume may be lifted out with rod 31 passing through slot 41a.

A modified construction is shown in FIG. 7 wherein parts corresponding to parts of the preceding modification are marked with the same reference numerals, followed by subscript b. In this modification, the holder element 36b is integral. Blade 42b is made of flat stock and its lower end is shaped in a curl 56 of circular shape having a radius equal to that of trough 22b. Each book 11b receives a blade 42b and the curl 56 pivots within trou h 22b of rack 16b between storage and use posrtrons. It W! e understood that a pivot rod (not shown) similar in function to rod 31 of FIG. 5 but shaped to fit the inside of curl 56 may be used, being supported as in the preceding modification.

As shown in FIG. 8, a rack similar in certain details to any of the preceding modifications may be incorporated in the top 82 of a table 81, the legs 83 of which may be fitted with casters 84. The back end 86 of top 82 supports books 11A. A semicircular transverse depression 87 is formed in top 82 to receive main body portions 370 of holders 360 similar to the holders of preceding modifications. Forwardly of depression 87 top 82 is formed with a downward slanted portion 88 to receive opened books 113. To prevent the books from spreading open when in storage position, side pieces 89 may be fixed to the sides of top 82, extending above the level of back end 86. It will be understood that the holders 36c and table top may be constructed in various ways but generally similar to the preceding modifications and the same reference numerals followed by subscript c are used to designate corresponding parts.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail, by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A book-holding rack comprising a base having a bottom shaped to rest on a supporting surface and formed with a troughlike, circular arc curvature depression on the top, a plurality of holder elements each having a lower end shaped with a rounded end having its maximum cross section shaped complementary to the cross section of said depression and of lesser radius of curvature than said depression, and having a projecting narrow, flat blade shaped for engagement with the spine binding of a book, the rounded end of each said holder elements resting in said depression and pivoting therein between a storage position with said blade erect and a use position with said blade slanted downward-forward.

2. A rack according to claim 1 in which each said holder element is formed with a hole concentric with the curvature of said end and which further comprises a rod held in said base along the axis of said trough and passing through said holes in each of said holder elements, said elements pivoting about said rod.

3. A rack according to claim 2 in which each said holder element is formed with a radial slot projecting out from said hole, whereby when said holder element is intermediate storage and use positions said holder element may be disconnected from said base.

4. A rack according to claim 1 in which each said holder element is formed with the circular-arc external ribs complementary to said depression.

5. A rack according to claim 1 in which said blade is a separate, flat-stock element set into said lower end.

6. A rack according to claim 1 which further comprises a side piece on at least one side of said rack extending upward to restrain spreading outward of the cover of a book on said rack and then extending longitudinal behind said rack at a higher elevation than said bottom of said base to support the lower edge of each book when in storage position.

7. A rack according to claim 1 in which said blades fit inside the spine binding of said books.

8. A table having a top, said top formed as a rack in accordance with claim 1. 

1. A book-holding rack comprising a base having a bottom shaped to rest on a supporting surface and formed with a troughlike, circular arc curvature depression on the top, a plurality of holder elements each having a lower end shaped with a rounded end having its maximum cross section shaped complementary to the cross section of said depression and of lesser radius of curvature than said depression, and having a projecting narrow, flat blade shaped for engagement with the spine binding of a book, the rounded end of each said holder elements resting in said depression and pivoting therein between a storage position with said blade erect and a use position with said blade slanted downward-forward.
 2. A rack according to claim 1 in which each said holder element is formed with a hole concentric with the curvature of said end and which further comprises a rod held in said base along the axis of said trough and passing through said holes in each of said holder elements, said elements pivoting about said rod.
 3. A rack according to claim 2 in which each said holder element is formed with a radial slot projecting out from said hole, whereby when said holder element is intermediate storage and use positions said holder element may be disconnected from said base.
 4. A rack according to claim 1 in which each said holder element is formed with the circular-arc external ribs complementary to said depression.
 5. A rack according to claim 1 in which said blade is a separate, flat-stock element set into said lower end.
 6. A rack according to claim 1 which further comprises a side piece on at least one side of said rack extending upward to restrain spreading outward of the cover of a book on said rack and then extending longitudinal behind said rack at a higher elevation than said bottom of said base to support the lower edge of each book when in storage position.
 7. A rack according to claim 1 in which said blades fit inside the spine binding of said books.
 8. A table having a top, said top formed as a rack in accordance with claim
 1. 